Avet Reels

Avet Reels

CHOOSING THE RIGHT REEL
Understanding Avet Reel Sizes and Capabilities
With the numerous models of Avet reels available, it can be confusing to choose the reel that will best suit your needs and style of fishing. From our world renowned original Avet single and 2-speed casting reels and heavy duty stand-up / trolling big game reels, to our Raptor Dual Drag and TR-X Quad Drags with incredible train stopping drag pressures, there is an Avet model that will handle any big game fish on the planet. With the thousands of species of sport fish, and numerous different fishing styles and techniques, there is no single reel that can realistically cover everything.  The following will help narrow down the constantly growing line of Avet fishing reels to the ones that will work best for you and your target game. We also offer modification accessories to fine tune your Avet spinning reel to species specific techniques, like our South Florida Cam to fine tune your drag curve for kingfish and sailfish, or special rod mounting accessories like out trigger seat foot or extended length clamp mounting studs. See our accessories page.

What The Avet Model Letters And Numbers Mean
Avet casting reels (SX - HX) are grouped in "families" or "series" by size, more specifically by diameter, with the SX Series being the smallest, and the HX Series the largest. Within each series, there are different options and variations like spool width ("J" or "jig" denotes a narrow spool, and "L" or "large" is a standard width spool, and "W" is a "wide" spool). Other options within a series are different retrieve speeds, (numbers with "." denote single speed gears while numbers with "/" denote 2-speed gears. Example: SX 5.3 = single speed, SX 6/4 = 2-speed). Increased drag output (Raptors) and magnetic anti-backlash cast control (M.C. Cast) are also options within a series.

The larger EX series reels are grouped together, and vary in size denoted by typical industry size nomenclature "30", "30W", "50", "50W", etc. The TR-X series uses the same same industry size nomenclature as the EX series, differing only by increased drag output with the addition of a Quad Drag System.

Drag Output
Choose models that will comfortably handle the line class you will be using, based on 1/3 of the breaking test of the line you choose. Avet fishing reels have an adjustable strike position setting. In the strike position you want to set the drag to 1/3 of the weakest line in your rig. Typically anglers will fill the reel with braided spectra line and use a monofilament leader or top-shot that is a lighter line class than the braided backing. The lighter leader is what you want to set the strike position to. Using the Max. Drag at Strike ratings in the spec. tables for each model, narrow your choices down to models that are capable of drag output at strike within the range of 1/3 of your lightest line test. Choose reel models that will easily handle your chosen (or most commonly used) line class with room to spare in the reels drag range, rather than choosing a reel and using the absolute maximum capability of the drag at all times.

As an example, our MXL 6/4 model has a MAXIMUM drag of 9 lbs at strike and 17 lbs at full. With the drag set at it maximum setting at 9 lbs at strike, based on "1/3" of the line class at strike, this is basically the drag setting for 30 lb. line...and is the absolute MAXIMUM capability of the reel. Continually using the reel with the maximum drag settings will put the maximum pressures, and wear and tear on the reel. The MXL 6/4 will perform better and will be under significantly less strain and wear and tear when it is used in the 6, 7, or 8 lb range (20-25 lb line class). Its never a good idea to run ANY piece of mechanical equipment to its maximum potential 100% of the time. In the case of the MXL, if 30 lb line (and the correct drag settings for 30#) are what you need, then consider bumping up one series model. Good choices in this case would be:
JX - The JX models are capable of 15 lbs at strike, perfect for 30 lb line (and appropriate drag settings) with room to spare. The JX is a bit larger overall than the MXL, roughly similar in width , but 1/4" larger in diameter.
MXL RAPTOR - If the JX model is too large, the MXL Raptor is the best choice. the MXL Raptor is the same size as the regular MXL, but has a dual drag system that doubles the drag output.

Line Capacity And Size
Once you have chosen your line class and drag capability, narrow down your choices to reels that will hold a sufficient amount of your line, using the line capacity columns in the spec tables. If you will be targeting large, long running fish, or deep dropping, you will want a reel that will have a large line capacity. If you will be fishing shallow, casting frequently, casting extremely light baits, or the primary target species that are relatively small or will not be running long distances, then narrow your choices down to smaller, lighter reels with slightly less line capacity. The smaller, lighter more agile reels are easier to cast and handle. Less line capacity also means lighter spool mass, which equates to less start up inertia, a plus when casting light baits. This is why we have "J" (jig/narrow spool) and "L" (large/wide spool) models in each series. As an Example: "MXJ" (narrow) and "MXL"(wide).

Retrieve Speed
Choose the best retrieve speed for the right balance of power to speed to fit your application. Look at the "inches per crank" column on the spec table. Each series of Avet spinning reels (SX-HX) offer a variety of different gear ratios, from single speed to 2-speed. The gear ratio numbers themselves really don't mean much without including the diameter of the spool into the equation. The spool diameter is actually a "3rd gear" in the chain that determines the actual inches of line retrieved for every turn of the handle. For example: the high 6:1 gear in our small SX and the 6:1 gear in our larger LX are the same gear ratio, 6 rotations of the spool for every 1 rotation of the handle. Because of the smaller spool diameter of the SX it will have fewer inches per crank on the retrieve (36") vs. the larger diameter LX (46"). The lower the inches per crank, the more "winch" power the reel will have on the retrieve. The higher inches per crank will have slightly less "winch power" but faster speed. Consider the fishing technique and conditions you will primarily be using the reel for. Higher retrieve speed is useful for casting and retrieving speed sensitive swimming jigs, repeated deep drop jigging, or clearing multiple trolled lines quickly when a fish is hooked. The lower retrieve speed and extra "winch power" is useful when battling large aggressive fish under high drag pressure, live bait or chunk bait applications where fast, repeated casting and retrieving isn't the norm, or long-range/sport boat "rail rod" applications where cranking power is crucial. Many instances require a broader range of power to speed that cannot be accomplished with a single speed and gear ratio. This is where an Avet 2-speed may be the fishing reel of choice, offering a choice between power and speed in a single reel. Many large, hard fighting species of fish and conditions require a fast and aggressive cast and retrieve lure presentation, but need a powerful retrieve to fight the fish once its hooked. Casting "wahoo bombs" for wahoo on a long range sport boat for example. 50-100 casts and quick retrieves with a slow reel before finally hooking a hard fighting beast of a fish, and your cranking hand will already be numb and worn out. And the fight has only just begun! With a 2-speed, you have the best of both, high speed for lure presentation, and a powerful low gear to fight the fish with a simple push of a button. Avet pioneered these small, cast-able 2 speed lever drag reels, and every reel manufacturer around the world has followed our lead!